I stepped outside, and noticed a woman sitting off at the edge of the building. I recognized her. She’s a route-setter for the climbing gym. She saw me looking right after I had started to move my eyes away, I saw her smile my way. I’ve talked to her before several times, at the desk, we’ve had pleasant interactions. I figured I would say something to her then since we had both acknowledged each other. And I came over and I said, “Taking a break?” I saw that she had her drill, for setting the holds. She nodded…

And then, you know, I can’t remember who talked about the weather first. It may have been her, may have been me — but someone said, “It’s nice out here,” and that’s how it started. We just talked about the weather.

The weather was interesting this morning, was still interesting then. And we had a pleasant small connection over that. And, well, after I had walked around outside, picked up some trash, inspected the plants on the premises, as soon as I came and sat back down in my chair at the cafe, I had the thought—I am becoming someone who talks about the weather.

The fact that I’ve been talking about the weather has been in my mind, as a latent thought. In many of my recent interactions with the staff at Ugly Mugs, after our connection I’ve walked away thinking, “Man, I talked about the weather again.” Without shame, but noticing it. That I’ve been defaulting to the weather as a conversation topic in lieu of anything else. And here it happened again, with the familiar route-setter.

I guess today, the weather was really interesting, because it was sunny in the morning, and then on the walk, dark clouds, and wind, but also sun—possibly a storm incoming, but then, stepping out for the break, sunny and warm. The dark clouds off in the horizon. But still windy, a gust of warm wind hitting me as I stood there talking with her, swirling her hair around.

It’s a weird vibe, when you can see threatening clouds, and be basking in the warm sunlight, and it’s March 5th. That’s spring weather.

I came and sat down and I thought, instantly, I’m becoming someone who talks about the weather. The realization just hit me. And for some reason, that’s funny to me. I just don’t think I paid so much attention to it before. Or, at least, it was not a go-to conversation topic for me. Not that I can remember. But, it seems to be now.

I guess the weather is just such an easy topic. And very natural, if you happen to be outside, or are near the outdoors, or have just come from the outdoors. Pretty much everyone can relate to it. It’s topical, and if you’ve got nothing much else to say, it’s extremely low-hanging fruit. Inoffensive, low risk, and you don’t have to have a major discussion about it. You can discuss the weather as much or as little as you like.

You: “Man, this rain is crazy.”

Them: “I know, right?”

The end.

Or, You: “Man, this rain is crazy.”

Them: “I know, I forgot my umbrella too and got soaked on the way here. I’m afraid to go back outside. Haha!”

You: Whatever you want to say next